The nonprofit “meltdown” comes 72 hours before a board meeting: Everything else stops. The agenda keeps changing, which changes the info in the board packet. Staff wonder, “will there be a quorum?” as they don’t know which board members will attend.
Sometimes we forget that nonprofits emerge to meet needs that result from public policies and legislation. We have to change the conditions that lead to situations where nonprofits must form and raise funds to deal with effects of systemic issues.
We were informing the community and keeping them apprised of the issue. That is different from being partisan. By definition, a partisan is someone or group attached to a political party. In this example we were neither for nor against the issue.
We as nonprofits must use our resources, relationships, and the trust we have built with those we serve to ensure people can vote and that their vote is counted. We must “retool” to help people exercise their right to vote.
Most outstanding CEOs think their tenure is forever. They don’t want to think about their time as a leader coming to an end. We understand. You are on top of your game, you are giving your all to your organization… But that is selfish and unfair.
Given that so much inequity is built into systems, addressing equity through organization design or service delivery, without looking at public policy is missing perhaps the biggest piece of the puzzle.
While we never had a career counselor or mentor sit us down to suggest “philanthropy” as a career path, we encourage you to look at the philanthropic sector as a place to bring your skills and grow your career. You will surely make a difference.
People with money give to organizations they know. Who do they know? People of like means. This is especially true when it comes to major gifts: most have a personal connection – though the board – to nonprofits they support. Who is on your board?
We have to be sensitive to the needs of the people within our organizations, even when community needs are overwhelming. We have to put on our “oxygen mask” first – together w funders we must be creative in meeting nonprofit employee needs.
The past months have been a whirlwind of change. Nonprofits have been asked to pivot and thrive in an uncertain world. We share links to eight columns from the past few months, and a Good News Announcement. Yes, people are still giving!